The Best Places To Go Ice Skating In Edinburgh

When winter draws near and the thought of ice skating springs to mind, it’s perfectly reasonable to dream of gliding along like a pro while contorting into impressive shapes. Suddenly, the urge to break into a pirouette encompasses all thoughts. However, more often than not, such tricks tend to resemble a wobbly-kneed foal attempting to walk for the first time, instead of a glamorous figure skater. Whether pro or amateur, embrace the exhilarating feeling of skating along like a scene from a Christmas card and discover the best spots for ice skating in Edinburgh.

St Andrew Square

You know Christmas can’t be far off when St Andrew Square transforms into a glistening strategically placed circular sheet of ice. Skaters can enjoy a 360-degree journey around the square while becoming accustomed to moving a little faster than usual. Those in need of a touch of Dutch courage can locate a tipple at the bar too. If only the whole of George Street could be like this — holiday shopping would be over quicker than ever.

St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, Scotland

2. Princes Street Gardens Ice Rink

Princes Street Gardens Ice Rink

Even those who fall into the category of ‘non-skaters’ cannot help but smile like a kid on Christmas morning when they see the magic that ensues in Princes Street Gardens during the holiday season. Winter Wonderland is a place overflowing with twinkling lights, mulled wine, happy music and, of course, the best temporary ice rink in the city. If only it could be like that every day of the year. The ice may get sludgier than other rinks (due to the crowds of cheerful faces), but negotiating where to glide is part of the fun. There are plenty of stalls selling mulled wine, as well as ornaments, crafts, roasted chestnuts, and more. From the towering Scott Monument and the myriad of Christmas lights, to the castle smiling down at all the moving dots, there is something truly magical about this spectacular yearly ritual.

Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, Scotland

Princes Street Gardens Ice Rink | © Tony Austin/Flickr

Find A Frozen Lake

If Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Ice Rink or the pop-up options of Winter Wonderland and St Andrew Square do not suffice, then perhaps embark on an epic hunt in search of a frozen lake – only if the weather permits though, naturally. For years, curling clubs in Edinburgh and the surrounding Lothians have taken advantage of the glazed-over lochs and lakes of Scotland, turning them into their very own ice rinks. This is your chance to recreate Sir Henry Raeburn’s iconic painting Revd. Robert Walker Skating On Duddingston Loch, which can be found at the Scottish National Gallery. While reimagining your own artistic masterpiece, please do try and skate carefully. Oh, and steer clear of the centre.

Revd. Robert Walker Skating On Duddingston Loch By Sir Henry Raeburn

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.